On the Road Again!

Since Latics were promoted back into the English Football League 2 in the summer, there are fewer opportunities to see them play live. In the National League there were far more teams clustered around London that meant it was easier to get to their stadiums. Either by car, or more often by motorcycle. So when the fixtures came out, I tagged Bromley as a possible. It's postal area is Kent, although it's a London Borough. January 4th is far too early in the year to take the bike, and there is little or no parking.  The last time we played there I went on the bike. Bluffed my way into their tiny car park. "The lady in the office said you could squeeze me in" has worked quite successfully. But this time I am looking at the train. Return from Ashford is £21.50. I'll need to drive up there and park, but oddly it's a Sunday 3pm kick off.  According to their website, it's around 20 minutes to walk from Bromley South station. I have already ordered my ticket. Inste...

Amazingly the trip up to London wasn't too bad. The 12.30pm kick off means that the trains are often almost full with shoppers.  With both Stratford Westfield and Bluewater on the way in a seat is usually hard to find. Today, it was worse. The train was packed with protesters on the way to a rally in the centre of London. I did get a seat in the end on the folding down seat in the disabled area. As there were no wheelchairs it was safe to sit there. Once on the way to the ground we joined the Arsenal fans.  I met Helen, and we went in. A bit early and after  coffee, my round, we took our seats. It was a strange day weather wise, heavy rain, then bright hot sunshine, and repeat. The opponents this weekend were Nottingham Forest. They recently sacked their successful manager and recently took on a new one. The one that took Spurs to the Europa League title.  Luckily that golden ticket wasn't much help. A other good game and another goal-fest. Two goals from Zubimendi a...

Another away day in the south to see Oldham in the National League. This time I don't have to leave Kent! The last trip was across to Essex to see them narrowly lose at Southend.  Hopefully this trip will be less miserable even though the weather is turning for the worst. Rain. Last weekend sitting in 29°C in Aragón for the MotoGP and this weekend the forecast shows 12°C high with rain. It looks like I'll have to get the proper waterproofs out! At least Vera Strom will be using cheaper French petrol...